Ranunculus Acris

Ranunculus acris is also known as Ranunculus silvaticus, Meadow Buttercup, Bristleflower, Blisterwort, Yellow Gowan, Water Milfoil, Butter Rose, Blister Plant, Butter Cress, Butter Daisy, Butter Rose, Gold Balls, Common Buttercup, Common Crowfoot, Meadow Cup, Meadow Ranunculus, Meadow Crowfoot Gold Knots, Gold Knobs, Cuckooflower.

Ranunculus acris is part of the Ranunculaceae family of plants and it is the most common buttercup in Europe. Ranunculus acris is native to temperate Eurasia. It is considered a pasture weed, and hazard and it is resistant to herbicides.

Ranunculus acris is a herbaceous perennial that grows in meadows and edges of forests, roads, and woodlands. It grows to 70cm or 28in tall. Ranunculus acris has green three-lobed, compound leaves.

This plant has toxins that cause dermatitis or vomiting and it can also be somewhat poisonous to livestock and pets. The toxin which also is found in other buttercups is ranunculin which can break down into protoanemonin. However, the flowers attract bees, insects, and pollinators.

Ranunculus acris flowers are bright glossy yellow, with five overflowing petals and five green sepals. It has a large number of stamens. Ranunculus acris flowers in late spring and early summer.

Locate Ranunculus acris in the sun or partial shade. Plant it in moist, fertile soil that is well-drained. Propagate Ranunculus acris by seed or division. Ranunculus acris is generally pest-free, but watch out for powdery mildew.

Native Americans use Ranunculus acris in traditional medicine. The Abenaki and Montagnais use it for headaches, and Bella Coola for treating boils, the Cherokee for abscesses, and Iroquois for pains, cold, and diarrhea.